Jose helps out with 1D star's recovery from surgery

Niall Horan has joined Chelsea Football Club to aid his recovery following major knee surgery.

The One Direction star - who underwent an operation earlier this month - has been secretly recuperating at the soccer team's recovery unit, with the same medics who treat their biggest stars.

Speaking to the Sunday People, a source revealed: "I saw him go into the specialist injury centre at 11.45am and leave again at 4pm.

"He was on crutches and hobbling along."

Don't know what his beloved Derby County would think of it, especially after their FA Cup defeat to the Londoners a few weeks ago.

And that's a little more upsettin! 2-0 Chelsea

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) January 5, 2014

According to reports in The Sun on Sunday newspaper, it is said Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho agreed to the arrangement because his daughter is a huge fan of the 'Story of My Life' hitmakers.

An insider added: "Niall has been welcomed into the club as if he's a Chelsea star himself.

"It's the best possible place for him to get the rehab he needs on his knee because he needs to be fighting fit for the band's stadium tour later this year."

Niall has spoken about his friendship with Jose after the band were invited to train with his previous club Real Madrid.

He previously said: "Mourinho's daughter is a fan and he wanted to get tickets to the show so he invited us to train with the lads."